Pope Leo XIV Cleared to Travel to South America After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will go ahead with his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, the Vatican confirmed Monday, after his doctors found no medical reason to keep him from traveling following lung cancer surgery.

The Vatican said the pope's recovery is progressing in line with favorable assessments from his medical team. It announced no changes to the published agenda, which The Independent described as one of the most demanding foreign trips by a Catholic leader in decades.

How the weeks since surgery have unfolded

• Oct. 13: Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope's right lung, where a nodule later found to be malignant was located. The operation confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, according to the Associated Press. It was the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.
• Oct. 17: The pope was discharged from the hospital, The Independent reported, and has been gradually returning to his duties while keeping a schedule that leaves time for rest.
• Monday: The Vatican said the latest examinations showed good health and a favorable clinical condition. It quoted the pope's physician, Luigi Carbone, as saying there were “no contraindications” to the journey, based on his condition and on laboratory and other tests.
• Nov. 6-17: The scheduled dates of the pope's trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Euronews reported, citing the Vatican statement, that the procedure went ahead without complications and that follow-up tests showed the illness was contained, so he needs no additional oncological treatment.

What this means for the trip

The Vatican's decision means the journey stays on its original schedule. The Independent reported that the pope is due to travel about 31,000 km (19,300 miles) over a 10-city tour and give 36 speeches. The Associated Press said the program involves a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.

The Vatican said the visit is meant to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage the faithful and promote a message of faith, hope and peace. Leo said he was grateful for the prayers and support he has received and was eager to go back to a region where he has spent important periods of his life.

What the pope said about the journey

In a statement released Monday, the pope thanked people for their prayers and said he hoped the trip would be an occasion for people to open their hearts to one another, strengthen their communion and renew their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy. Euronews noted that he has a close personal bond with the region.

What came before the announcement

Last week, the Vatican confirmed that the pope had canceled a visit to the Italian town of Assisi, which had been planned to mark the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace. The Vatican said the 71-year-old pope would not attend, on his doctors' advice, to support his recovery after thoracic surgery. The Independent reported that the cancellation was also meant to avoid a helicopter flight. The pope has since returned to St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience with pilgrims.

Around Prague, based on reporting by The Independent, ABC News, Euronews